20-foot Container - Dimensions, Specs and Weight

The standard 20-foot shipping container or “dry van” is one of the most commonly-used containers for the shipment of goods in ocean freight along with the 40-foot container.Our cubic meter calculator will let you know the exact space needed for your cargo.

20-foot Container Dimensions

The 20-foot container’s dimensions are usually measured using the imperial system (feet) and specifies both the exterior dimensions and the interior (usable) dimensions.

The dimensions of a 20 ft container are:

• Exterior Dimensions (in feet): 20’ long x 8’ wide x 8’ 6” high
• Exterior Dimensions (in meters): 6.10m long x 2.44m wide x 2.59m high
• Interior Dimensions (in feet): 19’ 4” long x 7’ 9” wide x 7’ 10” high
• Internal Dimensions (in meters): 5.898m long x 2.352m wide x 2.393m high
• Usable Capacity: 32.6m3

With a usable capacity of 32.6 cubic meters, a 20-foot shipping container can accommodate a variety of goods, from household items to commercial cargo. Learn what fits in a 20-foot shipping container to optimize your shipment.

How many pallets can fit into a 20-foot shipping container?

In terms of Euro pallet types (European pallets) of which dimensions are 1.2m x 0.8m, the base of the 20-foot container can hold up to 11 Euro pallet stacks as long as the load is not hanging over the sides. Generally, the optimal way of fitting pallets inside the container is with one row along the length and another row along the width.

For the standard American pallet type with dimensions 40” x 48” (1.016m x 1.219m), the base of a standard 20-foot container can hold 10 pallets as long as the load is not hanging over the sides. More information.

What’s the maximum load for a 20-foot container?

A 20-foot container’s empty weight is 2,300 kg, while the 20 ft shipping container weight when fully loaded can reach up to 28 tons (25,400 kg). However, this depends on factors such as shipping line restrictions, the type of cargo, and specific shipment details.

You can use our platform to find the best prices for your FCL or LCL shipping and explore more about the empty weight of a 20 ft shipping container.

What are the common cargo types for 20-foot containers?

A 20-foot shipping container is often used to ship the following types of goods:

• Consumer products, including clothing, furniture, and electronics
• Raw materials, such as machinery, textiles, and metals
• Perishable items shipped using refrigerated (reefer) 20-foot containers, such as food and beverages
• Heavy cargo, including cement, steel, tiles, etc.

Factors Affecting Shipping Costs for a 20-foot Container

The cost to ship using a 20 ft container depends on the following factors:

• Distance between the origin and destination countries
• Popularity of the route
• Container type used (standard, high-cube, or specialized containers)
• Freight volume (full container load or less than container load)
• Port fees (loading and unloading charges)

For example, a shipment traveling longer distances on a busy route may cost more. Your choice of container type and ocean freight shipping option will also affect the cost of your shipment.

How do seasonal fluctuations affect shipping costs for a 20-foot container?

Shipping costs fluctuate depending on the season. Seasons with peak demand, such as holidays during end-of-year periods, will have higher rates than off-peak seasons.

Weather conditions per season will also affect shipping rates. Adverse or extreme weather conditions can cause route adjustments or delays, which come with extra fees.

Finally, market trends at different times of the year will also play a role. Some examples are fuel surcharges or global trade activity conditions. The occurrence of any of these can increase or reduce shipping costs for a 20 ft shipping container.

What are the advantages of using a 20-foot container for long-distance shipping?

The standard container size for international shipping is 20 feet. Because of its cost-effectiveness, it’s particularly recommended for long-distance transport. The dimensions of a 20-foot container perfectly accommodate businesses with smaller shipments, meaning they don’t have to pay for the unused space in a larger, 40-foot container.

20-foot container specifications-wise, these containers are also durable and versatile. They are built to withstand harsh conditions and long journeys. They can accommodate various cargo types and have specialized containers for refrigerated items and other cargo needs.

20-foot containers follow the global standard, boasting a 20-foot container weight and size that has universal compatibility with shipping infrastructure worldwide.

What types of packaging are best suited for a 20-foot container?

To keep your cargo safe and maximize 20 ft container dimensions, consider the following packaging options:

• Pallets or crates: Allows stacking and easy loading and unloading
• Shrink wrap or plastic covers: Protects goods from moisture
• Cardboard boxes: Best for small and light items
• Custom foam or cushioning: Secures fragile goods

How do different shipping methods (FCL vs LCL) impact the cost of using a 20-foot container?

One factor affecting the cost of a 20-foot container is your choice of shipping method, whether full container load (FCL) or less than container load (LCL).

Opting for FCL gives you exclusive use of the 20-foot container. This is best for larger shipments that maximize the space in the unit. If the space inside the container is used up, such as in bulk shipments, FCL is generally more cost-efficient.

If you have smaller shipments, LCL shipping allows you to share container space with other shippers. It can be cheap since you only pay for the space your goods occupy, but you must pay additional fees for handling and consolidation.

Ultimately, which option to choose will depend on the size and volume of your shipment.